The last time NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jesse Love competed at Talladega Superspeedway, Connor Zilisch attempted an aggressive block, which forced the No. 2 Chevrolet to spin out last April.
Friends will be friends, right?
Buddies off the track, the incident was soon forgotten. Zilisch, who injured his back during the collision, picked up Love for the Saturday morning commute to work.
Love then went to work, registering a hot qualifying lap of 182.036 mph to earn the pole position for Saturday’s United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Love outdueled William Sawalich by 0.097 seconds at the 2.66-mile tri-oval track.
Starting position is key and @jesselovejr1 has got the best one today!
The No. 2 will lead the field to green today at @TALLADEGA. pic.twitter.com/3pXuqFyJ3Y
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 18, 2025
Daniel Dye Nominated For Community Champion Honor
To honor NASCAR-related individuals who promote philanthropic opportunity, Ex-Xfinity Series Director Wayne Auton, Bristol Motor Speedway President Jerry Caldwell and Xfinity Series driver Daniel Dye were named as finalists for the 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award.
“We are inspired each year by the incredible stories of individuals making a lasting impact through the NASCAR community,” Comcast Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement Matt Lederer said, via NASCAR.com. “This year’s finalists embody the true spirit of the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award through their unwavering commitment to service and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Dye (179.821 mph) qualified P15 Saturday.
Extraordinary individuals doing extraordinary things!
Wayne Auton, Jerry Caldwell and @danieldye43 have been named finalists for the 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 17, 2025
NASCAR Xfinity Series’ United Rentals 250 Starting Lineup
Here is a look at the lineup for Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series’ United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway:
Starting Position, Driver, Car No.
- 1, Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
- 2, William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
- 3, Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
- 4, Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
- 5, Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
- 6, Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
- 7, Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
- 8, Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
- 9, Aric Almirola, No. 19 Toyota
- 10, Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
- 11, Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
- 12, Brenden Queen, No. 11 Chevrolet
- 13, Sam Mayer, No. 41 Ford
- 14, Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
- 15, Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
- 16, Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
- 17, Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
- 18, Connor Mosack, No. 99 Chevrolet
- 19, Mason Maggio, No. 91 Chevrolet
- 20, Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
- 21, Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
- 22, Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
- 23, Ryan Sieg, No. 39 Ford
- 24, Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
- 25, Caesar Bacarella, No. 5 Chevrolet
- 26, Jordan Anderson, No. 32 Chevrolet
- 27, Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
- 28, Nick Leitz, No. 07 Chevrolet
- 29, Leland Honeyman, No. 70 Chevrolet
- 30, Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
- 31, Josh Williams, No. 45 Chevrolet
- 32, David Starr, No. 35 Chevrolet
- 33, Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
- 34, Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
- 35, Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
- 36, Joey Gase, No. 53 Chevrolet
- 37, Carson Ware, No. 74 Chevrolet
- 38, Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
Win this afternoon, and punch your ticket to the #Championship4. 🏆
TODAY | 4 p.m. ET | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/sXDx14CwHM
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 18, 2025
